Shayla Love
Shayla Love is a staff writer at Psyche. Her science journalism has appeared in Vice, The New York Times and Wired, among others. She lives in Brooklyn, New York.
Written by Shayla Love
Communication and language
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How to say no
It’s a little word, but if you’re a chronic people pleaser it can be so tricky to say it. These tips and tricks will help
by Shayla Love
Thinking and intelligence
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When the human tendency to detect patterns goes too far
‘Apophenia’ is reflected in pleasant and troubling experiences alike – from seeing faces in clouds to conspiracy beliefs
by Shayla Love
Communication and language
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Will studying a new language interfere with any others you speak?
Multilinguals say it feels as though learning another language interferes with old ones. New research put this to the test
by Shayla Love
Learning and education
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This is how to nurture curiosity in children (and yourself)
The curiosity that comes naturally to babies and young children can soon wilt – but there are ways to help it grow
by Shayla Love
Mind and brain
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This is how your brain distinguishes reality from imagination
In terms of brain activity, imagining something is very similar to seeing it, so why don’t you confuse the two more often?
by Shayla Love
Cognitive and behavioural therapies
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CBT is the ‘gold standard’, but is that just for white people?
CBT is supported by a strong evidence base. However, effective cultural adaptation of the therapy is a work in progress
by Shayla Love
The self
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How to connect with your future self
Does the future ‘you’ seem like a stranger? Getting to know them better will help you to make healthier, wiser decisions
by Shayla Love
Mind-body interactions
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Can a perfectionist personality put you at risk of migraines?
The hunt for a ‘migraine personality’ dates back over a hundred years and still it goes on. Why is the idea so alluring?
by Shayla Love
Consciousness
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What happens to the brain during consciousness-ending meditation?
Psychologists are studying a form of meditation known as ‘nirodha-samāpatti’ that reportedly ceases all mental function
by Shayla Love
Memory and nostalgia
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You can feel nostalgia for things that you haven’t yet lost
Nostalgia is a longing for the past, but psychologists are coming to realise it can focus on the future too
by Shayla Love
The body and physical health
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How ‘stirrings of the heart’ shape your experience of time
New research is showing the embodied nature of time perception and how it can fluctuate in tune with the heart’s beats
by Shayla Love
Emotions
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Why is there such a thing as ‘true love’ but not ‘true grump’?
What makes an emotion feel true? And how is that connected to your true self? New insights on old philosophical puzzles
by Shayla Love